Category Archives: migraine/headache

The migraine headache is considered a vascular headache, although the precise mechanism and etiology remain unknown. There are several known triggers some of which include food allergies, blood sugar disturbances, stress load, mechanical injury, and hormonal fluctuations. The vascular hypothesis of migraine, first proposed by Wolff, theorizes that the aura of migraine is caused by intracerebral constriction followed by extracranial vasodilation resulting in headache pain. (more…)

Here’s another reason to hit the stair-master: A new study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has determined that extra belly fat may be a factor in the development of migraines. Although earlier studies found that extra body weight increased the volume and severity of migraines in people who already had them, this study shows a clear link between the onset of the headaches and waist circumference. Also, it indicates that belly fat is more closely linked to migraines than is overall obesity. After reviewing data on 22,000 subjects, researchers at Drexel University in Pennsylvania concluded that indeed, belly fat and migraines were linked. In subjects under the age of 55, women with the extra waist bulge experienced 30 percent more migraines than their trimmer peers. (more…)

For many people, vanilla may be the key for eliminating headaches. Vanilla extract contains eugenol, an essential oil that has antiseptic and analgesic properties and that helps unclog blood vessels.

The ancient Egyptians discovered that vanilla beans would cure a headache almost every time regardless of how serious the duration or intensity. Though they did not discover why vanilla worked, they found that it was three times more effective than their previous best treatment, turmeric. (more…)

The migraine headache is considered a vascular headache, although the precise mechanism and etiology remain unknown. There are several known triggers some of which include food allergies, blood sugar disturbances, stress load, mechanical injury, and hormonal fluctuations. The vascular hypothesis of migraine, first proposed by Wolff, theorizes that the aura of migraine is caused by intracerebral constriction followed by extracranial vasodilation resulting in headache pain.

Ginkgo is among the oldest living species on earth and has been used extensively as a medicinal agent worldwide for centuries. It is the most frequently prescribed medicinal herb in Europe, with hundreds of studies reporting positive effects from taking ginkgo for both the prevention and treatment of various health complaints. The most dramatic benefits are reported in improving circulation in the elderly. This can lead to enhanced memory, possibly delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, reducing senile dementia, tinnitus, and vertigo. Ginkgo’s memory-enhancing effects are reported in younger populations as well.

Coenzyme Q10’s benefits are due to the following two attributes. First, Co-Q10 is an important fat-soluble antioxidant that is uniquely able to protect the cells’ energy producing machinery, known as mitochondria, from free radical damage. Second, coenzyme Q10 is necessary for the production of energy in all cells of the body.

The aim of a recent study published in the journal Neurological Sciences was to verify the effectiveness and safety of a complex containing ginkgolide B (herbal constituent extract from ginkgo biloba tree leaves), coenzyme Q10, riboflavin and magnesium in the treatment of migraines. A population of school-aged children with migraine was enrolled in the study. The results after 3 months of treatment with the ginkgolide B, Co-Q10, riboflavin and magnesium complex was a significant decrease in frequency of migraines. These findings suggest alternative treatments such as ginkgolide B complex should be considered in the treatment of childhood headache for its effectiveness with no adverse reactions.1

Imagine an excruciating headache that manifests as a spectacular light show, pulsating and exploding in sync with the pain in your skull. Or perhaps it’s an incessant stabbing coupled with nausea and narrowed vision.

These are classic symptoms of a migraine—a debilitating pain so vivid it can only be understood by fellow sufferers. (more…)

Jeff, a reader of my Magnesium Miracle book sent me his magnesium miracle story in the form of a letter he wrote to his doctor. He’s happy to share it to help spread the message about magnesium. The letter should strike a cord with many readers who interact with modern medicine doctors. But the hopeful message is that magnesium is a simple but essential nutrient that can change your life. Let’s see how it worked for Jeff.

Migraine headaches are often debilitating, underdiagnosed and, unfortunately, quite common. Estimates put the prevalence of migraines at roughly 12 percent in the U.S. and slightly higher in Canada, with women affected three times more frequently than men.(1,2) Here, I’ll be reviewing both effective and safe therapies for migraine, and to also mention two key principles of naturopathic medicine applicable to individualized and public health approaches to migraine treatment. The first is prevention; currently only 12 percent of individuals with migraine (migraineurs) in the U.S. use any form of preventative therapy, while 98 percent use some form of acute treatment.(3) Given that most natural therapies are effective for migraine prophylaxis (rather than acute treatment) and without adverse effects, they may be the most appropriate choice for many migraineurs.